The Tattler. Airstream Owners of California. March Message from Paula Poll, President. Dear Fellow campers,

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1 The Tattler Airstream Owners of California Central Coast California 2017 Officers President Paula Poll #8252 Co Vice Pres. - Judy & Walt Bremer #3884 Secretary - Carol Cunningham #4895 Treasurer - Bob Minder #4195 Past President- Pam Lindsay #4585 By- Laws Committee Chair-John Thornton #2011 One Year Directors Bruce Yeoman #4917 Cal Meuser #2727 Two Year Directors Mark Griffin #1872 Mike Gross #4169 Membership Director - Gary Mellinger #2002 Web Master Walt Bremer #3884 Tattler Editor Linda Minder #4195 For more information, including rally coupons, please check out our website: Dear Fellow campers, Message from Paula Poll, President We just returned from the Paso Robles rally that was really fit for a Queen..the Corbetts and the Grosses hosted a British weekend that included homemade Bangers, Mash and Peas and a Royal Tea. The weather was spectacular and it was a wonderful weekend at Wine Country RV Resort. A huge thank you shout is in order. We were also part of Cal and Peggy s new Airstream Interstate maiden voyage. Congratulations! And we installed 3 new member families---mellingers, Hales and Wrightsons. Welcome to the unit. Coming up is Jalama Beach Rally on April 27. This rally is sold out but a waiting list is being maintained. After that, is Moss Landing on May 19. Thank you to our rally committee for the fine planning of new and fun rally locations. We are planning a mini Caravan that will travel up 395 in September visiting places in and around Lone Pine for a few days that include the Alabama Hills, Manzanar, Whitney Portal and the Bristlecones. Moving further north, there is much to explore around Mono Lake, Bodie, Devils Postpile and many other wonderful sites in this active geologic part of the Eastern Sierras. Please stay tuned for more information as this caravan comes together. 1

2 Another idea is the concept of a Flash rally. If there is someplace you would like to go and would like some company, just post the information on our closed Facebook page and ask Bob Minder to please send out an blast to the membership with the particulars everyone makes their own reservations. Bring your own food and drinks and prepare to have a great time. Looking forward to many more fun rallies in the months ahead. And don t forget to share your travels on our Facebook page---central Coast California Unit. Paula Poll Contact your Board and other information: The Central Coast California Unit encompasses the scenic California coastal counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura but our members come from all around Southern California! We are an active, social group which participates in local, regional and international rallies. We are dedicated to the Creed created long ago by the Airstream founder, Wally Byam. Though Wally has passed, the words and wisdom of his Creed lives on in the many Airstream Clubs which remain active to this day. Established on April 10, 1965, we continue to enjoy "Fun, Friendship & Camping" throughout California. President - Paula Poll #8252 Co Vice Pres. - Judy & Walt Bremer #3884 Secretary - Carol Cunningham #4895 Treasurer - Bob Minder #4195 Past Pres. - Pam Lindsay #4585 One year Director - Bruce Yeoman #4917 One year Director - Cal Meuser #2727 Two Year Director Mark Griffin # 1872 Two Year Director - Mike Gross #1469 Membership Director - Gary Mellinger #2002 Web Master - Walt Bremer #3884 Tattler Editor Linda Minder #4195 Central Coast California Website CCC Facebook Page Region 12 Website WBCCI International Website paula@lawbiz.com wbremer@me.com carol_cunningham@mac.com rkminder@msn.com lindsay7043@sbcglobal.net cyeoman4@yahoo.com calmeuser@aol.com mjgriffin@aeraemergy.com mjgross7@gmail.com photofire@earthlink.net wbremer@me.com lmminder@msn.com WBCCI 2

3 MEMBERSHIP REPORT Exciting news for membership this month. At our March British-themed rally at Wine Country, I had the pleasure of inducting 3 new families into our Central Coast California Unit with their WBCCI badges. Our new members are David and Julie Hale of Madera with their 28 International model. Steve and Terri Wrightson of Atascadero with their 1987 Sovereign. And Gary and Ashley Mellinger of Simi Valley in their 25 International. We also welcomed back our good friends Jim and Yvonne Savage of Temecula into the Unit. Another renewal came in the week of 3/13/2017 For the week of 3/6/16, three families joined the Central Coast Unit and are in the process of receiving their membership packets from WBCCI in Jackson Center. We have 4 new prospects who have shown interest in joining, and showed up at our Wine Country Rally to participate with us, at either our Social Hour or our Irish stew dinner, and seemed to enjoy themselves. While at the rally, the membership director (yours truly), gave out the Give Away Cards to some folks who had run out and wanted a few to distribute to prospective members. More members means, having more hands on deck to share the fun of the club duties, Board positions and as rally co-hosts. Also the opportunity to make more friends from diverse backgrounds, which makes rallying that much more enjoyable. Current statistics. Members 62, Affiliates 12 Cheers fellow CCC ers. Gary J. Mellinger Membership director, CCC, WBCCI 3

4 New Member Bios Hi Gary, You ve asked for a brief introduction, and I m delighted to receive such a warm welcome. As a young boy from St. Louis my family did a lot of camping, mostly in Colorado and Arizona. We moved to Hutchinson, Kansas and I achieved Eagle Scout rank at age 12 which included many scout camping experiences and some terrific mentors who took us camping at least once a month where I learned valuable life skills. I ve always enjoyed the outdoors and have continued tent camping all up and down the pacific west coast, and in Arizona and Colorado. It s interesting that I ve seen humor in campers that had to bring the kitchen sink with them to camp. As my ex-wife used to say, I ll camp with you if its in a hotel. Well, secretly I ve always eyed the Airstream with respect and wonder, and now I can continue to camp in a little luxury and comfort. My goal is to visit all the national parks as well as friends and family in about 50 cities between LA and NY, and bring my home with me! My three daughters and six grandchildren are excited too, because they think they will be able to hitch a ride now and then. Ha! I joined WBCCI because I bought the new Airstream International Serenity 27FB. I m excited to hear about all the activities and events the Central Coast Club has planned, and I m hoping to take advantage of as much as I can with what looks like very fun people. While I retired several years ago, I still work with projects I want to do when I want to do them. My background is primarily in professional theatre, where you never really retire. I performed on and off Broadway, produced musicals and children s shows for over 20 years in major cities, ran the west coast office of the Actors Union for 10 years, and am currently general managing productions in Los Angeles. I was planning to begin my travels in May, but got dragged back in by projects I enjoy, so it may be a while before enjoying the leisure life. I certainly look forward to future adventures with new friends. Thanks for reaching out! Best, John Williamson Hi Gary, Here's a short bio on Dave and I, feel free to edit it. What line of work you are or have been in? Dave is a municipal attorney and I am a criminalist (DNA analyst) for the California Department of Justice, Fresno crime lab. We hope to retire in around 5 years from now. How did you become interested in Airstream RVs? In 2003 after tent camping in the rain at the Grand Canyon, we decided we were ready to get an RV. Dave had always admired the silver bullet trailers he saw on the highway, so we went to look and fell in love with the style and quality of Airstream trailers. We traded in our first Safari 25 foot for an International 28 foot about two years ago. What is your camping experience? Dave grew up camping and hunting and when we got married 38 years ago he introduced me to it. We backpacked and tent camped in our younger days, and now we love taking our Airstream home with us when we go on an adventure. 4

5 Where are your favorite places to camp? Everywhere we go is our favorite. I'm originally from New Mexico, so the southwest has been one of our frequent adventures. We love the red rock canyons of Southern Utah, and also the thick green forests of the Pacific Northwest. Last summer we went to the Olympic Peninsula and had a glorious time. Do you like RV parks, campgrounds, or boon docking best? We are more experienced with RV parks and full hook ups, but dry camping has its appeal to us also. We tried dry camping in Death Valley and realize that you can get to more remote and beautiful destinations on battery power, and no TV can be a good thing! Anything about your pets, children or grandchildren. We have one son, Forrest, who is 22 years old and a college student preparing to apply to Nursing School in Southern California. I home schooled him through the 8th grade and our first Airstream and the many places we ventured to were often his classroom. We have always traveled with a German Shepherd Dog. Sophie is our latest rescue and she is a great travel companion. She wakes us at exactly 6:30 am with her tail banging on the sides of the trailer hallway. We also have two cats and a horse. Both Dave and I love to ride, he rides his road and mountain bikes and I ride my horse. What would you like to gather from your club experience joining the WBCCI? We are hoping to meet new friends who love to go on adventures in an RV. David and Julie Hale Members MARCH BIRTHDAYS Charles Nation March 1st Mary Lawson March 6 th Melissa Yee March 15 th David Neel March 16 th Terri Reay March 30 th Want your birthday in the Tattler. If you have not listed your birthday on the Membership Roster, we cannot list it here. To make sure, contact the Tattler Editor, Linda Minder, lmmminder@msn.com or the Unit Treasurer Bob Minder, rkminder@msn.com 5

6 The Tech Corner Direct Ignition Water Heater Fixes by Fred Brandeberry NO HOT WATER What to do first Which of these problems appear to happen while looking at your water heater: A, B, C D, E, F OR G? Then check you water heater in the order shown. Follow this list of symptoms and check for these solutions before calling the RV repairperson. I like Dinosaur brand circuit boards. A. WATER HEATER LOCK OUT SPARK PRESENT BUT NO GAS FLAME: 1. Low voltage Power supply 10.5 VDC or more. 2. No gas to solenoid valve. Turn on LP gas at the tank. 3. Loose wires to ECO Repair wire connections. 4. Loose wires on solenoid valve. Repair wire connection. 5. Loose valve wire in wiring harness. Repair edge/ harness connections 6. Blocked main burner tube. Clean out burner tube. 7. Blocked main burner orifice. Clean or replace orifice. 8. Dirty connector on circuit board. Clean edge connector. 9. Defective ECO. Replace ECO. 10. Defective circuit board. Replace circuit board. 11. Defective solenoid valve. Replace valve or coil. 12. Gas pressure to high or to low. Set LP 11 water Column with at least two gas appliances working. B. WATER HEATER LOCKS OUT LP GAS PRESENT, BUT NO SPARKING: 1. Dirty electrodes. Clean the electrodes. 2. Improper electrode gap Spark gap should be 1/8 inch. 3. Wire loose in electrode ceramic. Replace electrode. 4. High tension lead wire loose. Repair connection on circuit board 5. Loose electrodes on burner. Secure the electrodes. 6. Cracked ceramic on electrodes. Replace electrode. 7. Defective circuit board. Replace circuit board. C. WATER HEATER LOCKS OUT LP GAS AND SPARKS OK. 1. Gas pressure to hi or to low. Adjust LP gas to 11 water column with at least two gas appliances working. 2. Poor electrical ground Repair ground wire. 3. Improper air adjustment. Adjust air for quiet, blue flame. 4. Dirty electrodes clean off electrodes. 5. Electrodes out of flame pattern. Adjust electrodes. 6. Electrodes sparking to screw fastening adjust electrodes. 6

7 Burner to flue tube. 7. Partly clogged main burner. Clean burner. 8. Gas pressure to hi or to low. Adjust LP gas pressure to 11 water column with at least two gas appliances working. 9. Partly clogged burner orifice. Clean orifice. 10. Main burner and manifold not aligned. Align gas valve with main burner. 11. Partly opened solenoid valve. Replace the valve. 12. Defective circuit board. Replace circuit board. D. WATER TEMPERATURE TO HIGH OR TO LOW. 1. Bypass valves in wrong position. Turn valves to correct location. 2. Thermostat not seated against tank. Reseal thermostat. 3. Defective thermostat. Replace thermostat. E. ERRATIC OR SOOTING BURNER FLAME 1. Air adjustment wrong. Adjust burner air shutter. 2. Poor main burner adjustment. Adjust burner and valve alignment. 3. Flame spreader misaligned. Adjust flame spreader to be square with the end of the burner tube. 4. Blocked burner orifice. Clean orifice do not use a needle. 5. Main burner obstructed. Clean main burner. 6. Obstructed U tube. Clean U tube. 7. Exhaust grille blocked. Remove obstruction. 8. Low gas pressure. Adjust LP gas pressure to 11 water column with at least two gas appliances working. F. NO SPARKING AND NO LP GAS FLOW: 1. No power Power must be at least 10.5 VDC. 2. Circuit board edge connector dirty. Clean edge connector. 3. Thermal cut-off defective. Replace thermal cut-off. 4. On Off switch defective. Replace on-off switch. 5. Thermostat defective. Replace thermostat. G. INTERMITTENT IGNITION- GAS FAILS TO IGNITE: 1. Poor ground at electrodes. Replace or retighten ground screw. 2. Loose ground water on gas valve. Replace or retighten ground screw. 3. Ground screw on the circuit board not tight. Replace or retighten ground screw. 4. Electrode ceramic cracked. Replace electrode. 5. Thermostat chatters or fluctuating. Replace thermostat. 6 Electrode wire insulation damaged. Replace electrode. by Fred Brandeberry 7

8 SPRING HAS SPRUNG!! Hurrah! Birds are singing, bees are buzzing and everything is green and beautiful. It s time to check out your baby (AKA Airstream) for the new camping season. Winter here in California is pretty mild compared to the rest of America but you still need to ensure she will provide you and your family a wonderful camping season. Here are a few basic recommendations: 1. De-winterizing is a good time to sanitize the water system. Not only will you start the season with a fresh system, the sanitizing process can help remove some of the lingering taste of RV Anti-freeze (for those of you in extreme weather areas, see Winterizing Steps in both The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming and Airstream Life s (Nearly) Complete Guide to Airstream Maintenance ). Drain the fresh water tank by following the directions in either one of these books, look up your fresh water tank capacity in the Owner s Manual and add six gallons for the water heater. Multiply the total by 0.13 and that is how many ounces of household bleach you will need. Dilute that bleach in a jug of water, pour it in the fresh water fill, then fill the tank with water. Turn on the water pump and run each of the faucets (including the shower head) until you can smell bleach. Let the water stand in the system for three or four hours at a minimum. Then drain the system and refill with fresh water. You can drain the system most quickly by opening the fresh water tank s drain valve. See your Owner s Manual for the specific location of the drain valve. 2. Change your water filter and carry a new one (just in case). 3. Check your tire pressure on all tires, including the spare. Check for uneven wear. Check the DOT date also. I bought our 2014 International in July 2013 and the DOT was November 2012! You may want to think about replacing all the tires as early as three years and up to five years. This decision was made for me just outside of Gallop, New Mexico, in 90 degree temperatures last year! 4. Fill up the propane tanks and give all major systems a test. I had the flexible black gas lines replaced this year (more of that worry wart mentality that I carry around, the glass is always half-empty and last but not least Murphy s Law). 5. Check your window. Are they sticking shut? Use a credit card (or an old plastic spatula) from the outside to help unstick the gasket. Clean the gasket with soapy water, dry it and apply Aerospace Protectant 303 or silicone spray. 6. Press the Test button on the smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide detectors. They could need fresh 9-volt batteries. 7. Whether you removed the house batteries or not, you should check the water level in them and add some distilled water if needed. 8. Lube the hitch as recommended by the manufacturer. Once hitched up, check all the trailer lights and verify proper braking. 8

9 9. Smoke Alarm. This is probably the most important, but also the most overlooked piece of safety equipment in your Airstream. Not only should the battery be changed at least every six months, but the detector itself also has an expiration date. It is usually ten years from the date of manufacture, and is generally printed on the back. Push the test button on the outside of the detector. Replace it when it gets too old, or fails to sound off when tested. 10. Carbon Monoxide Detector. This one has an expiration date as well. In addition to testing and battery replacement, the same as the smoke alarm, you may have hard wire in the replacement, as some CO detectors are wired into the 12 volt electrical system, with the batteries providing only emergency backup power. 11. First Aid kit. Many of the items in the kit have expiration dates. Many of these items can become harmful if they sit around too long. 12. Fire Extinguisher. Most fire extinguisher used in Airstreams don t have a date on them. An annual inspection is recommended and replacement after 10 years. 13. Propane Leak Detector. This device is mounted near the floor and sniffs the air for propane leaks. Replace as needed or as suggested by the manufacturer. Typically, this is every five to seven years. This is a suggested list and your list may be more extensive (or not), my list gets longer every time I talk to a fellow Airstreamer or research something (remember that glass half-empty thing I have going). I love it when everything goes smoothly and I pull into my site, returning all the smiles from my fellow Airstreamers, ready to start another great rally. I borrowed all of the above information from The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming and The (nearly) Complete Guide to Airstream Maintenance. Both written by Rich Luhr, editor of Airstream Life magazine. 9

10 WHAT IS IT? It is a Water Thief. It takes water by connecting a garden hose to an unthreaded faucet. It is a practical solution for filing wading pools, outdoor hot tubs, RV water tanks, waterbeds and fish aquariums. It comes in handy as a rubber adapter that allows you to connect a garden hose to an unthreaded faucet like those in primitive and non-hook up campgrounds. Amazon offers their version, the Water Bandit, for $6.22. Camco # Tattler always needs information...if you has any info, pix, "good" comments, articles...please submit. to the Editors of the Tattler. Images should be.jpg of a reasonable size. Please submissions lmminder@msn.com In the Subject Line...please add Tattler + subject or nature of entry. If there are versions or resubmissions...add version 1, 2, etc. Also include version # on files. Coupons should be formatted. PDF files are great. Articles don't need to be formatted unless it's important. Often I make changes to formatting to make things fit. Don't forget submissions are due before the end of the month. Travel safe... Linda Minder 10

11 Rally Schedule 2017, October rally to be announced soon. Caravan-Pg. 12 Participation is the key to a successful rally. Past rallies in January, February and March are listed to give credit to the hosts. January Ventura Ranch KOA, near Santa Paula, CA Hosts: Joe and Myung Deering & Mike and Roxy Gross February Morro Bay Dunes, CA Hosts: Keith and Lynn Valley & Carol Cunningham & Bruce and Carol Yeoman March Wine Country RV, Paso Robles, CA Hosts: Vickie and Adrian Corbett & Mike and Roxy Gross (Don t forget Edward) April Jalama Beach County Park, Lompoc, CA Hosts: Mike and Roxy Gross & Bruce and Carol Yeoman May Moss Landing KOA Express, Moss Landing, CA. Hosts Gary and Christa Mellinger & Dan and Karen Jones September Jackson Rancheria, Jackson, CA Hosts: Judy and Walt Bremer & Paula and Ed Poll & Pam and Stuart Lindsay October 6-8 (October Rally TBD) Lone Pine Film Festival, Lone Pine, CA No Host November 3-5 Pismo Coast Village, Pismo Beach, CA Hosts: Bob and Linda Minder & Brad and Linda Bailey December 8-10 Flying Flags Resort, Buellton, CA Hosts Tom and Teresa Tighe & David and Mary Lawson Rally help just around the corner i.net/files/2013/07/rally- Planning-Guide-2014-v4.pdf EXITING NEWS COMING SOON ON THE WONDERFUL IDEAS FOR 2018 RALLIES. KEEP WATCHTING THE WEBSITE AND THE TATTLER AND PLAN FOR MORE AIRSTREAM ADVENTURES NEXT YEAR! 11

12 Preliminary itinerary and highlights. Boulder Creek RV Resort 4 nights: The Lone Pine Movie Museum, The Alabama Hills, filming location of many, many movies. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Mt. Whitney Portal. The Manzanar Internment Camp. SAVE THE DATE Hello! Central Coast Airstreamers. Your Route 395 Eastern Sierra Caravan Committee has been considering for years, a mini-caravan to a location that many of us hold dear to our hearts. Finally, we ve put together a committee to make it happen this year. Dates: September 5-17, 2017 Number of rigs limited to 15. CCC Members first, Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls. Lakes Mary, George, and Horseshoe, Obsidian Dome. Soaking at either Hot Creek, Buckeye Creek, or Travertine Hot Springs. Trout fishing. Off road exploring. Lee Vining camping 5 nights: Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite. Bodie Ghost Town. Mono Lake and Tufas. The Volcanic Trail. The caravan will terminate at the location of our September Rally, the beautiful Jackson Rancheria in Jackson California. Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Caravan Committee members: Paula Poll, Judy and Walt Bremer, Pam Lindsay, Bob Minder, Bruce Yeoman, Gary Mellinger Reservations will be taken when the coupon is published before June. CCC Affiliates second, WBCCI members third. There will be a waiting list. No Early Birds. 12

13 PET PROFILES It s a dog s world, at least that s what dog people say. Dogs come in all sizes and each has her own take on things and feelings about how it should all look. Considering all that is thrown at them, they continue to believe that we are all part of the pack and is it time to throw the ball around yet?! If memory serves, some of you met Izze and Elle at one of our first Rallies with CCC at Pismo Beach. The incident happened quickly. It had been assessed by Elle that things were not going her way and Izze was to blame (right?!) Within seconds, both were locked together in a snarling death grip, with Izze quickly taking the advantage of age and intent. Her jaw was firmly clamped on Elle s head and an eye was seen with rather a large molar attached to it. There was considerable growling and people springing to attention, plus lots of human yelling. John grabbed them while Carol and Mona tried to separate them? Finally, water was applied (memories vary on how this was achieved) and Wa La! Separation occurred! Lots of doggie posturing followed, with little forgiveness in the following weeks. (Did I mention I phoned a Doggie Psychologist at one point?). Well, a few years have passed with miles and miles of travel. We have all matured and two of us have been spayed. Since those early glory days of traveling in our Bambi, we have dragged those two dogs all over the Northwest and the Southwest, B.C., the Yukon, and Alaska! Our trailer has grown bigger and Elle has relished being with us and she loves traveling. Izze is a bit more reserved with her judgement. Izze was the first puppy to join the family. We traveled to Los Alamos, Ca. to pick her up from a family that needed fewer dogs and more cash in hand. We went all the way to Maine to get Elle and enjoyed every minute of that adventure. Both are Jack Russells. One is short and one is tall but small. Very different dogs and each brings joy and laughs and frustration, and a bit of craziness to our lives. We are sometimes limited as to where they can walk us, but so far our relationship is worth it. They bring an added dimension to the lives of the two travelers who love them, and the Airstream they all travel in. So we are seeing the world together. So many places yet to visit and explore. Plus dogs help bring people together. They are a great excuse to walk around and meet all the different people who travel down the roads of America and beyond. Friends are quickly made, and how great is that?! Courtesy of John and Susan Barrett Pictures of Izze and Elle are on the next page. 13

14 \ Check out another Pet Profile in future issues of THE TATTLER 14

15 Some of Our Favorite Camping/Fishing Places in the Eastern Sierras By Bra d & Linda Bailey One of our favorite Airstream trips has been up and down Highway 395. It is such a beautiful route year-round, but especially in early spring when things begin to open up for camping and fishing, and into late October with the beautiful Fall colors. Those familiar with Mammoth Mountain RV Park know that it is open year-round, and with early bookings, one can enjoy camping under the pine trees with full- hookups. On a recent visit we enjoyed the annual beer festival, called Bluesapalooza, which lasts 3-days in June and has ongoing music, activities, vendors, and of course beer, beer & more beer tastings everywhere. Even the Mammoth Fire Department uses this venue as a major fundraiser for their department, and firemen serve beer all day long. There are many lakes and much beauty to explore surrounding the town of Mammoth Lakes, but along with the abundant beauty can be large crowds during the summer time. Our favorite place to camp and fish is Silver Lake, a little further north, which is on the June Lake Loop ( loop is 15 miles, and a nice easy drive) and is the third-lake from the beginning. To us it feels less impacted with people here, and Silver Lake Resort RV Park opens in late April, and remains open until October 15th. The lake itself, Silver Lake, is directly across the street from the campground (a short walk), stocked routinely and offers both on the lake and bank fishing. Having done both, we prefer to fish from the banks at the inlets, which are many. We have never failed to catch a fish or two, but have really scored at other times. We seem to have the best luck with garlic enhanced bait. There is nothing like catching in the afternoon, cleaning your fish at the campground fish cleaning station and then throwing them on the BBQ early evening. Kids seem to do so well too at Silver Lake, throw their line in, play on the banks, and reel them in one after another - must be all that optimism kids have (or those fancy Disney Fishing Poles! 15

16 The June Lake loop, with the other lakes of June, Mono, Gull and Grant Lakes, offer good fishing also. The Federal Campground, a cross from Silver Lake Resort RV, has rural sites in an open meadow, with spaces that are large and wide-open and a major creek running into the lake close by. Our selection of fishing gear is youth gear (short pole, small spinning reel - a line you can throw a long way from shore with ease). Brown trout (huge ones) are caught daily and put on display at their website for all to see. Another favorite camping/fishing spot further north is Twin Lakes, outside of the small town of Bridgeport. Twin Lakes has a private campground, cafe that serves great food, boat rentals, bait, and all one needs to really enjoy and relax. Lucky are those who score a site by the beautiful meadow! Rates run $32 a night, $208 per week, and $832 per month - full hookups. There are short hikes around this campground and a scenic day hike up to a higher lake, which if done in the fall, takes you through tunnels of yellow Aspen trees! Happy Camping & Fishing to all our fellow Central Coast Airstream Folks! Twin Lakes Trout from Twin Lakes Silver Lake 16

17 The Tattler Classified s $27, ' Airstream Sovereign Oak interior, large ref/freezer, large tanks, solar, new faucets and batteries, day/night shades, forced air and catalytic heater, Sony AM/FM/CD player, corner bed plus couch/fold out bed, custom wheels, alum. LP tanks Contact Keith Valley, klvalleyfamily@gmail.com,

18 RALLY NEWS LOOK WHAT S COMING YOUR WAY Jalama Beach rally in April. Several months ago, we went out on a limb and booked 20 spots at Santa Barbara s County Park at Jalama Beach for a 4-day rally. We are thrilled to announce that as of this writing, we have all 20 registrations filled, most of which are for the entire four days. Originally, we thought we would make this a buddy rally to be sure we filled all the served spots but our members are meeting our quota. All of our sites are filled. There is currently a sizeable standby list. If anyone need to cancel, please notify Roxy Gross as soon as possible Jalama is a wonderful outdoor adventure with ocean tide pools, rock & fossil hunting, hiking & biking trails. Plus, we have some fun activities planned: chili cook-off, camper Olympics, famous Jalama burger picnic, and hopefully a tour of Vandenberg (still in the works). SEE RALLY SHEETS ON PAGE 19 Moss Landing rally in May. The Central Coast California Unit is heading up North again. You have an opportunity to spend up to four wonderful days at this small, beautiful KOA oasis. Near Salinas, Monterrey, Santa Cruz and Castroville, there is much to see and do. Take advantage of a group tour of the Elkhorn National Estuarine Reserve, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, a fantastic array of seafood at Phil s Fish Market, near the RV Park. You can hear the seals, watch otters by the dock. This is an adventure worth the travel up north. This rally is bound to fill up fast. Delay is never the best option. Send your rally sheet in today. Dan and Karen Jones and Gary and Christa Mellinger are waiting to welcome you. SEE RALLY SHEETS ON PAGE 20 18

19 Central Coast California Unit WBCCI Rally March 2017 Jalama Beach Campground 9999 Jalama Road, Lompoc CA April 27-May 1, 2017 Co-Hosts: Roxy & Mike Gross: (R ) Carol & Bruce Yeoman (C ) Tentative Schedule Thursday:. 2 pm Check in and set up 5 pm Social Hour BYOB & Heavy Hors d'oeuvres to share Friday: 8:30 Continental Breakfast provided Tentatively we have arranged for a tour of Vandenberg AFB (missile launch base). Or enjoy your day at the beach or visit Lompoc. 5 pm Campers Chili Cook-off. Salad & Dessert provided by hosts. Followed by campfire. Saturday: 8:30 Breakfast provided: Egg Casserole Noon: Famous Jalama Burgers at the beach Afternoon Camper Olympics (with prizes) 6 pm BBQ pulled pork & pulled chicken provided. Bring sides to share Sunday: 8:30 Breakfast provided: Cereal & Fruit Afternoon: Join us for a rock hunting hike or check out the wineries in Lompoc area. 6 pm Leftover Dinner. Bring whatever you have to add to leftovers from previous days, salad & campfire s mores. Monday; 8:30 Continental Breakfast provided 11 am Clean up and depart for home Safe Travel Home! Rally Information General Information: Jalama Beach campground is a new site for CCC. Located just north of Santa Barbara, all campsites have power. Water and dump station in the park. Meals Included in Fee: Breakfasts Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Salad & dessert to compliment chili cook-off on Friday. Saturday pulled pork & chicken, Campfire goodies. What to Bring: Your silverware and dishes for all meals. Hearty Appetizer to share and your own drinks for the social hour on Thursday. Your choice of beverage on other nights. Chili for cookoff on Friday. Sides for Saturday. DIRECTIONS: From the South: Take Highway 101 north and travel 30 miles past Santa Barbara. Take the Hwy 1 ramp to Lompoc/Vandenberg Air Force Base. Continue on Hwy 1, 13 miles. Turn left onto Jalama Rd. Continue on Jalama Rd. for 14 miles, the road ends at Jalama Beach County Park From the North: Take Highway 101 south to Buellton. Exit Hwy 246 and turn right towards Lompoc. Travel 16 miles to Lompoc. Turn left on Hwy 1. Travel 4 miles and turn right onto Jalama Rd. Continue on Jalama Rd. for 14 miles, the road ends at Jalama Beach County Park. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jalama Beach Coupon Call for Availability All Sites Are Filled-Standby only! Name WBCCI No. Address City, State, Zip Phone Cell Rig length Emergency Contact: Name Phone: Four (4) Night Stay: Arrive Thursday Depart Monday $187 $ Individual Nights: Thursday Friday Saturday $48/night $ Rally Fee: $40/rig or $20 single $ TOTAL ENCLOSED $ Please mail coupon and check (payable to Central Coast Unit WBCCI) by April 1st to: Mike & Roxy Gross Village 42, Camarillo CA

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21 PRODUCTS FOR YOUR AIRSTREAM Several people asked about the window slides we have on our trailer windows over the sink. Walt & Judy also have these and gave us the website to purchase them. Great buy. If you have a blank space in the Tattler you want to fill maybe you could add the following. Here's the website for the sliding blinds: The new Basecamp Basecamp was made for those who want to see the world. Built for adventure, it s tough enough to go anywhere your wanderlust takes you, and comfortable enough to help you really enjoy the time you spend there. Hitch up and go. Basecamp s compact, lightweight design opens up all sorts of possibilities. Head out to the frozen tundra. Spend a week in the blazing desert. Pack up and go anywhere you please, with nothing holding you back. A Towable with a variety of mid-size SUVs B Overall compact size makes driving and towing easier C Aggressive departure angle allows you to tackle more roads with confidence D Aerodynamic design increases fuel efficiency E Large wheels and tires help tackle rougher terrain and cold-weather driving F Side skirts and wheel flares help prevent damage from gravel and debris 21

22 SIMPLE FARE FOR A SMALL KITCHEN Submitted by Roxy Gross Attached are 2 artichoke dip recipes. The first is really quick & easy. The second is a little more work but goes further. Both are yummy. Serve with crackers or soft bread hunks. At parties I put men in a serving dish that can be kept warm. Warm Artichoke Dip 1 (6.5 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 clove garlic, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees In a medium bowl, mix together artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, Parmesan and garlic. Scoop the mixture into a medium baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 15 minutes, or until lightly brown on top. Hot Artichoke Spinach Dip 1 (8 ounce) package cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt salt and pepper to taste 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a small baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Gently stir in artichoke hearts and spinach. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned. 22

23 ROAD FOOD Great places to eat along the way or where you are at a rally! Santa Maria Barbecue Anchored by the heft of fire-charred red meat, Santa Maria barbecue is a feast that dates back to the bygone spirit of California cattle country The beef is accompanied by pinquito beans cooked long and slow, seasoned with pork, pepper, garlic, and onion. Lengths of buttered and garlicked toasted French bread are used for mopping the plate. The one other fundamental element is salsa, which can be used on everything: dolloped on the beans, spread on bread, and as relish for the meat. Absolutely Best At BBQ Land La Super Rica BEST MEXICAN STREET FOOD There is always a line at Santa Barbara's La Super Rica, and it's not hard to taste why. This is Mexico City style food, as fresh as you can get. Must Eats. Tacos, Rajas, Posole Estilo-Jalisco, Tamal de Verduras, Super Rica Especial, Pechuga Suiza Got some favorite places to eat at along the road, where you re at, let the Tattler s editor know! lmminder@msn.com 23

24 The Central Coast California Unit Flag The Central Coast California Unit flag is now available to order. The more orders that are placed will give those who wish to purchase one a price break due to quantity. To get an expected price and to place an order for this 3 by 5 flag, please contact Pam Lindsay at lindsay7043@sbcglobal.net. Several members have already placed their orders. Don t be left behind. FLY THE UNIT FLAG PROUDLY AT OUR RALLIES. 24

25 The Spectacular March Rally WOW! What a Rally! Out of 20 original sites, the Unit ended up with 18. On top of that, it was absolutely, impossible for anyone at that rally to go hungry. Why? Vickie Corbett. From bangers and mash, mushy peas, on Friday night, to the wonderful breakfasts to that wonderful high tea (see the photo of the rally) with a spread that the tables could barely hold, never has the members at a rally been so marvelously served. Plus there was beer tasting before the Irish-Stew was served. Vickie had help from co-hostess Roxy Gross and Carol Yeoman, Yvonne Savage, Susan Barrett and more. Mike and Roxy Gross deserve considerable kudos for arranging the rally with the park and securing spots for all 18 Airstreams. This is the second of three rallies this year they have helped in, plus December of They will be an integral part of the April Jalama Rally as well. Both past Presidents, they are an absolutely wonderful part of our unit. Big thanks, Mike & Roxy. The CCC was also privileged to have three new members be handed their badges by Membership Chairman Gary Mellinger. Gary welcomed his own son, Gary Jr and daughterin-law Ashley, David and Julie Hale who came all the way from Madera to join us, and Steve and Terri Wrightson, from far away Atascadero; somebody had to make that journey. Several Airstream owners staying at Wine Country RV Resort visited us at the clubhouse and could become new members. The weather was perfect. Trees in bloom, sunny days, cool nights. We had sit arounds by the campfire at night. 25

26 In addition to our new members, we had many other members there. All of them helped to make this a rally that those who did not attend, really missed something. Thanks to Tom and Teresa Tighe, Keith and Lynne Valley, Carol Cunningham, John and Susan Barrett, Bill and Karen Almas, Bruce and Carol Yeoman, Jim and Yvonne Savage, Gary and Christa Mellinger, Rick and Dena Welch, Bob and Linda Minder, Dan, Karen and Meghan Jones and our President, Paula Poll. All of whom, along with Adrian and Edward Corbett helped make this rally complete. Adrian co-hosted with his wife Vickie and Mike and Roxy. Everyone owes them a whole lot of thanks. It was also great to have John and Jane Thornton join us. John, (a past unit President) and his committee did a wonderful job working on the unit By-laws. Michael and Nancy Jackson also dropped by for a visit on Saturday night. This group knows how to party! We did not forget them, it was especially neat to see Cal and Peggy Mueser in their brand new Airstream Interstate. We all dreaded losing them when they decided to sell their Classic Airstream. However, Cal and Peggy, members from when Central Coast California was named Tri-Counties, found it impossible to give up Airstreaming. Whew!! In addition to Edward, we were blessed to have other young folks at our rally. It was neat that Brynley, Xander, and the youngest person at the rally, six month old Landon where there. These three young folks had two roles at this rally, being daughter and sons to Gary Jr. and Ashley and granddaughter and grandsons to Gary Sr. and Christa. There is always a sad part to every rally. For some it came on Sunday morning, the rest on Monday morning. Yvonne Savage was able to extend her days on her own. Most at this rally will be at Jalama in late April. Until then, for all, safe journeys. Bob Minder Mike and Roxy Gross Vickie and Adrian Corbett Rally hosts for Wine Country RV Resort March 2017 CCC Rally 26

27 March 2017 Karen and Bill Almas with their Bangers & Mash Roxy Gross, Susan Barrett, John Thornton Below, part of the wonderful spread set out for the Queen s High Tea Saturday afternoon as hosts Vickie Corbett and Roxy Gross wear their finest English hats. Tom & Teresa Tighe s Beatle s wear. 27

28 Cal and Peggy Mueser outside of their new Airstream Interstate and giving a mealtime photo toast. Mucho Mellingers: Gary Sr., Christa, Ashley, Gary Jr., (Holding Landon) with Brynley and Xander in front. Grandmother Christa holding grandson Landon on the left. 28

29 Young Mellingers, Xander and Brynley having their own adventures at the Wine Country Rally. 29